Tuesday, 17 November 2015

With
their heaviest album since 1996's 'Draconian Times' in tow, Paradise
lost, the originators of British gothic doom metal descend upon
Nottingahm's Rock City to round off their latest touring cycle. The
band's credentials have ranged from Death Metal, Doom, Gothic,
Industrial and come full circle again on this year's release 'The
Plague Within'. The band's controversial middle period may have seen
their most commercial success, and despite a cannon of strong songs
their increasingly heavy outlook has successfully re-engaged their
long-time fans while introducing those who may have got into the band
through their industrial metal phase to doomier sounds.

But
first on the bill tonight is the latest darlings of Rise above
Records – Berlin/London based psychedelic occult rockers Lucifer
who have been consistent support for the headliners on this seven
week tour.

The band's first album 'Lucifer I' has seen them
gain attention over the summer to the point where a decent portion of
the crowd are interested to see them as they hit the stage. The band
lead by former The Oath front woman Johanna Sadonis command a strong
presence backed up with groove-laden rhythms, strong riffs courtesy
of ex-Cathedral man Gary Jennings. Sadonis' vocals punch through the
swirling Candlemass meets Ozzy era Sabbath backing and injects
dominant melodies with ease.

The band's lead track 'Izrael'
provides their final song for their set and is undoubtedly the best
received of the night, but in particular tracks such as 'Morning
Star', 'Sabbath', and 'Anubis' provide high spots in a solid and
tight set that will see many in attendance converted.

The
night's headliner's should be a band that need little introduction by
now. The Halifax based arm of “The Peaceville Three” that put
British doom back on the map with albums such as 'Gothic', 'Icon' and
'Draconian Times' in 2015 mark a triumphant return to their heaviest
sounding album to date. And tonight's set reflects this. The band
take to the stage and unleash a barrage in the form of 'No Hope In
Sight' from the band's new album 'The Plague Within' before heading
right back to 1993 with 'Widow'. It's a strong start further
solidified with a big sing-a-long rendition of 'The Enemy'.

The
majority of the set is gleaned from the latest album with songs such
as 'Terminal', 'Victim Of the Past', 'Beneath Broken Earth', and
'Return To The Sun' getting welcome airings. The band's middle period
gets only the briefest of look-ins with 'Erased' making an early
appearance, and 'Say Just Words' rounding the encore off. But with
'Praise Lamented Shade', 'Enchantment', 'As I Die', and 'Faith
Divides US – Death Unites Us' marking undeniable high points and
rounding the set out more.

The band are on top form. The
performance is tight and professional befitting their now veteran
status. Nick Holmes' vocals sound great as they flit between death
grunts, anguish shouts and deep croons. And there is plenty of
self-deprecating quips and audience interaction to boot. The band
have had a good year, one that has further cemented their place as
one of the top British metal acts of the last 25 years. By the time
the band come to leave the stage having given their musical legacy as
well as their present direction a fitting showcase and showing that
they are still a force to be reckoned with.